Who makes the best ignition parts?

[skeat]

In the past I've used OEM or Sierra caps, points and condensers in my '89 4.3 Cobra but was wondering if there are better parts out there. Mallory Ign has parts available and I was going to try them. Has anyone had any experience with them or any other aftermarket mfg?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Who makes the best ignition parts?

I've never had any issues with the Sierra/Napa parts I use,.......

Why waste the money on a simple item, with no real returns,..??.....

 

[ziggy]

Re: Who makes the best ignition parts?

last tuneups i've done the replacement parts were quiksilver or sirrea i think. get them at my local mercruiser dealer. and whatever he uses is plenty good enough for me. didn't have to do anything to my tuneup parts at all last season.....start and go everytime, didn't miss a beat........gonna use them again next year........why change something that works out.......

 

[skeat]

Re: Who makes the best ignition parts?

It's a simple item but if they fail it means the difference between getting home or getting stranded. I've heard a couple people mention points prone to "pitting" or misfiring at higher rpms. I just didn't know if there were superior parts out there.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Who makes the best ignition parts?

I have used Mallory parts,could not tell any difference from them or Sierra parts...
The Mallory carb kits do seem a little better quality than Sierra..

 

[MikDee]

Re: Who makes the best ignition parts?

IMO For Automotive ignition parts, Hi-standard/Blue Streak from Carquest stores, and Borg Warner wherever you can find it, each seem a cut above the rest (like AC Delco), and also a bit more pricey.

 

[Don S]

Re: Who makes the best ignition parts?

In the past, I worked at a Volvo and Mercury/Mercruiser dealership. We used OEM only. Where I am at now uses Sierra.
Way too many things in the Sierra brand that is just not up to par with OEM.
Mostly in gasket kits that almost fit, almost have the right parts, almost as good. Really, Really not impresses with their tuneup kits with points and condensers.
For my boat, I buy OEM only (when possible.)

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Who makes the best ignition parts?

Don,I have noticed that with Sierra gaskets several times.Cut too narrow in areas or the holes don't line up...
I second the OEM when possible for sure...

 

[Robj]

Re: Who makes the best ignition parts?

As far as points, and condensor, replace it with a Pertronix electronic ignition system. Sure beats points and the systems work great.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[imported_TheMan]

Re: Who makes the best ignition parts?

IMO For Automotive ignition parts, Hi-standard/Blue Streak from Carquest stores, and Borg Warner wherever you can find it, each seem a cut above the rest (like AC Delco), and also a bit more pricey.

What ignition parts does BorgWarner make? I used to work at their technical center and don't remember any ignition components...

 

[skeat]

Re: Who makes the best ignition parts?

Thanks for the input. Looks like I will stick to the OEM as long as they are available... and for the carb kit also, as I plan on rebuilding the carb this winter. I'm not sold on the Pertronix just because I haven't had any problems with the points but have heard some compatibilty problems with the ESA. I suppose if I raced around alot it's a good upgrade but I just play around and rarely cruise above 3200 rpm (34 mph).

 

[MikDee]

Re: Who makes the best ignition parts?

What ignition parts does BorgWarner make? I used to work at their technical center and don't remember any ignition components...

Goto Pep Boys, you'll find Borg Warner premium stainless steel core suppression spark plug wires, and premium brass terminal distributor caps of a high grade plastic.

 

[riverjet502]

Re: Who makes the best ignition parts?

I have ran a Mallory single point dist for many years without fail. Currently now running a mallory dual point with a hidden MSD box. This takes the load of the points. (Dist triggers the MSD box, MSD box fires the plugs) Sorta a half assed electronic set up. This way if my MSD box fails I just unplug a couple wires and the point dist runs as designed. Plus I carry extra points in the glove box... Way cheaper then carrying spare electronic moduals.. Just a thought for ya...

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Who makes the best ignition parts?

The Pertronix electronic Conversion kit works fine on Mercs BUT...........

It is NOT compatable with OMC ESA.

There is a workaround, remove the ESA and rewire a momentary ground like the Merc. This is only theory, I am planing on trying this over the winter.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Who makes the best ignition parts?

If the original points set up is working fine just leave it alone.Do a good tune up and save the rest of the money for boat gas.

 

[dave4151]

Re: Who makes the best ignition parts?

The last set of Sierra points I bought had a flimsy little metal band coming out of the condensor instead of a wire. I ended up throwing it away and using the one from last year. I'll go out of my way not to buy Sierra points again.​